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Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in 911�� for STEM education and research

ckearney — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:19:45 +0000

Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in 911�� for STEM education and research ckearney Wed, 12/04/2024 - 11:19

Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones continue their legacy of philanthropy at 911�� with a transformative $1 million gift to establish the Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones Networking Testbed Lab within the Fuse at Mason Square building.

Photo by William Gallagher

The Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones Networking Testbed Lab will be dedicated to network applications including secure communications, advanced antennae systems, next-G and O-RAN innovations, with applications in air transportation, high-speed and autonomous vehicles, smart power grids, intelligent buildings, manufacturing, technology and national defense. Expected to open by June 2025, the lab will support both faculty and student research efforts.

"911�� is deeply grateful for the Jones family's generous investment in our students and faculty and in empowering innovators from across our region," 911�� President Gregory Washington said. "Their support of the testbed lab reflects a commitment to advancing critical research in rapidly developing technologies and fostering a diverse, well-prepared workforce that will serve Northern Virginia employers for decades to come."

The investment qualifies as part of 911��’s contribution to the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP), a statewide initiative aimed at increasing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, and software engineering in the College of Engineering and Computing by 2039. The gift also activates a match from the commonwealth through TTIP, increasing the impact to bolster Northern Virginia’s tech talent pipeline. Through TTIP, higher education institutions, private donors, and corporate partners will collectively contribute more than $2 billion to expand Virginia’s tech workforce, starting from early education and extending through college, internships, and employment.

Stanley Jones, a former a surveillance and communications engineer and first-generation college graduate, is dedicated to providing opportunities for future generations.

“Throughout my career in engineering, I saw the power of access to advanced research and technology. I’m excited about the possibilities this new testbed lab will bring, providing 911�� students with hands-on experiences in a cutting-edge field,” he said. Rosemary Hayes Jones, who served the Northern Virginia community as a real estate agent for more than 35 years, shares this commitment to advancing education and community impact. “We believe that investing in education and innovation is essential to fostering a thriving community and a strong workforce.”

This gift follows a $400,000 commitment to the Early Identification Program (EIP) given to 911�� in 2023. The EIP funding supports two program initiatives: the EIP STEM Fusion Expansion, a K-12 program to increase the number of first-generation students pursuing STEM fields, and the Stanley and Rosemary Jones STEM Scholars Program, which provides direct support to EIP students pursuing STEM majors.

“Stanley Jones exemplifies the potential of first-generation students. When given opportunities, these students excel,” said Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life for 911��. “This investment in EIP will expand access to STEM fields, and the impact will extend beyond 911�� to benefit the Northern Virginia community."

Established in 1987, EIP provides critical resources to first-generation middle and high school students in partnership with seven Virginia school districts. The program serves more than 900 students annually, providing them and their families with the resources and guidance needed to navigate postsecondary education.

The Joneses’ gift to EIP accelerates 911��’s efforts to close the achievement gap for first-generation college students in STEM and supports the STEM Fusion program, which offers students supplemental STEM coursework and expands the program’s reach to serve more students in neighboring counties.

Additionally, the Stanley and Rosemary Jones STEM Scholars initiative will support a cohort of 10 EIP graduates attending 911�� as STEM majors. With professional mentoring, cultural and career programming, and internship opportunities—including placements at MITRE, Jones's former employer—the program is designed to strengthen retention and career readiness for these students.

“As a first-generation student, I worked my way through undergraduate school and then received a fellowship to attend graduate school. The fellowship made all the difference—it allowed me to pursue a successful career as an engineer,” said Stanley Jones. “Through our support for the 911�� Early Identification Program and the internship and mentorship support from MITRE, we are hoping to give a similar opportunity to other deserving students.”

The Joneses' gifts are part of Mason Now: Power the Possible, 911��’s historic billion-dollar campaign to advance student success, research, innovation, stewardship, and community engagement—laying the foundation for a transformative legacy that will shape the future of the university and uplift the entire region for generations.

Learn more about Fuse at Mason Square

Early Identification Program, family support led Honors College freshman to engineering

tdonnel — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 17:39:47 +0000

Early Identification Program, family support led Honors College freshman to engineering tdonnel Tue, 08/20/2024 - 13:39

STEM has long been a field of interest for incoming 911�� freshman Dmitry Oleynik, in part due to his family background. His grandfather, an engineer from Russia, played a pivotal role in nurturing his interest in mathematics and engineering from a young age.

Dmitry Oleynik. Photo provided.

“My grandfather taught me, my mom, and most of my family… He would start off pretty early, especially with the multiplication tables. He would want me to nail those down,” Oleynik recalled. This early exposure to math, coupled with his success in high school math classes, has driven him to pursue engineering at 911��.

Oleynik carried his grandfather’s zeal for early preparation into his participation in 911��'s Early Identification Program (EIP). Since the eighth grade, Oleynik has attended EIP events, developing a familiarity with the university. The program, designed to prepare students for the rigors of college, provided Oleynik with a head start in various subjects, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

“[EIP] prepared me for college pretty well, and that was part of the reason why I chose Mason,” said Oleynik, who is a member of the Honors College.

Oleynik’s EIP experience was not only about academics but also about building confidence with 911��. Having spent summers at the Fairfax Campus, he feels a sense of comfort and connection to the university, which was a factor in his decision to stay close to home for college. His familiarity with the university's layout and resources, such as the Mason Innovation Exchange (the MIX) makerspace in Horizon Hall, adds to his excitement about starting his undergraduate experience.

While Oleynik is currently undecided about his major, he has an initial inclination toward mechanical engineering and has registered for related classes. The versatile nature of the field appeals to him, he said, as it could lead to opportunities in various industries, from automotive to robotics. He has a pragmatic approach to education, aiming for a degree that offers both personal interest and professional flexibility.

“I feel like mechanics are needed everywhere, so that’s a good degree for me to get,” he said.

Oleynik’s journey at 911�� is just beginning, but his foundation in STEM, nurtured by his family and the EIP, has set him on a promising path. He is well equipped to make the most of his time when he starts this fall.

Learn more about the EIP Program roadmap

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Cybersecurity Honors College student ready to hit the ground running

Nathan Kahl — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 17:59:19 +0000

Cybersecurity Honors College student ready to hit the ground running Nathan Kahl Mon, 08/12/2024 - 13:59

Jose Perez starts at 911�� this fall, majoring in Cyber Security Engineering and participating in the Honors College. But the Falls Church, Virginia native feels like he’s already a student, in a way.

“I’m familiar with so many of the faculty at this point because I participated in the Early Identification Program—I’ve been coming here for summer events since as early as 8th grade,” he said. “I’ve already formed a sense of community here. And as an International Baccalaureate student, I had college-level work for two years and so have decent academic preparation.”

He describes himself as a “STEM kid from the get-go,” and participated in cybersecurity-related extracurriculars in high school. “For me, it’s the best cross between raw engineering and computer science.” Being part of Meridian High School’s Cyber Patriots team exposed him to the challenges and opportunities in computer science.

Perez took part in the First Robotics Competition in high school. Photo provided

He burnished his high school resume with a lot of extracurriculars: He was the lead engineer on a Science Olympiad team, participated in 911��’s Youth Research Council, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, and was a four-year participant in the urban farm project at his school.

Perez is the child of immigrants from the Philippines—both his parents are nurses—and he recognizes that opportunities presented here at 911�� will allow him a great path toward upward mobility that he might not have at other institutions, especially being able to save money while living at home. “I knew I would be happy here and get what I need, especially because I feel like I've already formed a sense of community here.”

He’s ready and excited for what new changes are in place. “I’m aware of the new amount of freedom and responsibility I’ll have as a college student. I’ll just be prepared to take that on. I’m trying to push myself to do a lot this first semester and I’m part of the Global Gateway and will be going to Korea in my second semester. It will be a great way to throw myself in there.”

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Golf classic has been supporting student success for almost 30 years

ckearney — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 17:44:28 +0000

Golf classic has been supporting student success for almost 30 years ckearney Tue, 06/25/2024 - 13:44

On June 10, 2024, more than 110 golfers came together at Westfields Golf Club to support first-generation students through 911��’s Diversity Scholarship Golf Classic.

From left, Richard McGruder, Ron Bagga, Chris DiLiberto and Sandy Spring Bank's Marcus Perry at the Diversity Golf Classic. Photo by Warren Spears

A summer highlight for nearly 30 years, the annual tournament, which is presented by 911��’s University Life division, has raised more than $850,000 in scholarship funds for students in the Early Identification Program (EIP) and the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP).

“It’s a longstanding tradition,” said Lewis E. Forrest II, BA ’96, MA ’05, associate dean of University Life. “A lot of good folks put their arms around it, helping out in a lot of different ways to get people out here for EIP and STEP.”

EIP welcomes rising eighth-grade students from seven school districts in Northern Virginia, who participate throughout high school in year-round, multi-year mentoring, tutoring, STEM enrichment, and other support designed to aid in their academic and personal success, preparation for college, and career readiness. Students who graduate from EIP following 12th grade receive automatic acceptance to 911�� (provided they meet the requirements for enrollment); in the 2024 EIP class, 97% of the students enrolled in higher education. 911�� currently has 170 EIP graduates among its students.

911�� alum Enrique Carrero shared his experiences with EIP at the event. Photo by Warren Spears

STEP, a multi-year bridge program within 911��’s First-Gen+ Center, was created to enhance the recruitment, engagement, and retention of first-generation college students accepted to 911��. Incoming university students spend six weeks on campus prior to their first fall semester, where they earn three college credits and build a network of peers, faculty, and staff. As they move into the academic year, students receive continuous support to help them transition to college: academic preparation, leadership, access to resources, mentoring, time management, and community service.

The golfers enjoying the classic included many returning participants. Jim Green, a co-chair of the golf classic and one of the creators of the event, was on hand to compete, along with his wife, Gigi Green, BIS ’00, MA ’09. Green said he appreciates the longevity of this summer tradition.

"A number of people have been coming since the beginning,” said Jim Green, “which speaks to the legacy and also speaks to what the program’s about: We’re concerned about kids and helping them get their education.”

Green’s sentiment was echoed by the enthusiastic philanthropic supporters of the classic.

Annie Bolger is the corporate and client service manager of Sandy Spring Bank and a member of the University Life Advisory Board. “Sandy Spring is very involved in the community in many different ways, and we are very involved with 911��,” Bolger said.

Sandy Spring Bank has served as the title sponsor of the classic for 14 years—and is a longtime friend to 911��. This year, it led a group of 56 sponsors, donors, and contributors who helped make the event a success.

“It’s at the heart of who we are as an organization,” said Marcus Perry, Sandy Spring Bank’s senior vice president and regional group sales manager for Virginia and Washington, D.C. “Our mission since the beginning has been to not only serve the financial needs of our communities but also the general needs of our community that we’re in. Our involvement with 911�� is just a natural.”

Jim Green said he looked forward to a beautiful day of golf as well as to next year’s event, the 30th annual outing. “It’s already in our minds,” he said. “We’re recruiting people, talking to folks. Here’s hoping that, by our 30th, we will raise over a million dollars!”

Learn more about the Early Identification Program (EIP)

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First job after graduation brings engineering alum back to 911��

ckearney — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 19:42:42 +0000

First job after graduation brings engineering alum back to 911�� ckearney Wed, 06/05/2024 - 15:42

From an early age, 911�� alumnus Eduardo Vazquez appeared destined to work on big construction projects. His father, who relocated their family here from Mexico in 2001, has for years built Inova Health Systems facilities and frequently tinkered around the house with his son at his side. They even built a backyard shed together, from the foundation up.

911�� alum Eduardo Vazquez (left) with coworker Nam Ngo, also an engineering alum, at the groundbreaking of the new Activities Community Wellness Building. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Vazquez, who graduated in May with a civil engineering degree from 911��’s College of Engineering and Computing, was back on campus this week wearing a different hat—a hard hat. He landed a job as project engineer with Hoar Construction prior to Commencement and was with his new employer as they broke ground on 911��’s new Activities Community Wellness Building on the Fairfax Campus.

The 25,000-square-foot concrete and tension fabric structure, to be located behind the Recreation Athletic Complex, will be built by Hoar Construction in partnership with Powers Brown Architecture and civil engineer IMEG Corp. and is scheduled for completion in 2025.

Vazquez planned to attend Mason from the time he entered the university’s Early Identification Program, a partnership with area public schools to help prepare middle and high school students who will be the first in their families to attend college. As part of EIP, Vazquez received a full-ride scholarship to 911�� and enrolled in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, where he studied for a brief time before transferring to engineering.

Vazquez attended 911�� under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, a status that left him unable to receive public financial aid. The decision to switch majors and give up his scholarship was significant for him in that it meant he would have to fund his education, something he determined was a worthwhile price for pursuing his passion.

That decision paid off. Vazquez was attending his first-ever career fair in Dewberry Hall and wandered to the very back of the room, where he saw the Hoar Construction booth just as he was ready to leave.

“I’m pretty knowledgeable about the contractors around here because of my dad’s work, and I’d never heard of them but stopped anyway,” he said. “The vice president was there, which is something you don’t get with the bigger companies. I got along with them right off the bat and left my resume.”

He interned at Hoar in the summer of 2023 and made a good enough impression to get a job offer. It didn’t hurt that the company was hoping to secure a contract with the university.

“At one point they asked me if I had a picture I could give them,” he said. “They said they were bidding on a project for Mason. It was their first [Mason] project, and they wanted to make sure Mason knew they had one of their students on the team.”

Vazquez is excited to work on the project. He said it will be 911��’s first tensile-fabric structure built. He imagines bringing his own children to campus someday and being able to point to the structure and say, “I helped build that.”

It will be a lasting legacy…one started by his immigrant father putting up drywall day after day so his children could enjoy the American dream.

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CACI Scholars get a head start on success

ckearney — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:25:42 +0000

CACI Scholars get a head start on success ckearney Fri, 04/05/2024 - 15:25

CACI International Inc is once again supporting Mason students through a $200,000 gift to establish the CACI Scholars Program. The program helps selected scholars secure science, technology, engineering, or mathematics-related positions upon graduation.

Mason students participate in a career prep lab with CACI employees. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The company has previously been a generous sponsor of Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) and welcomes many Mason students as interns each year. CACI also employs hundreds of Mason graduates.

The CACI Scholars Program, which kicked off in fall 2023, supports 10 Mason students who are alumni of Mason’s Early Identification Program (EIP) and pursuing degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering. These scholars are identified by EIP in their senior year of high school and are welcomed into a cohort designed to support their long-term academic and career success.

Each CACI Scholar receives an annual scholarship to reduce the cost of tuition and related fees if the full need is not met through the student’s financial aid package or through a Mason Virginia Promise Grant. Scholars also receive a stipend to assist with the cost of at least one career readiness practice, such as attending a conference or completing a certification.

Scholars also work with dedicated success coaches and peer mentors at Mason, who provide tailored support for first-generation student success. Each scholar is also connected with a CACI mentor who can provide firsthand knowledge of the industry and company. The scholars are also eligible for a paid internship experience at CACI.

CACI’s Chief Technology Officer Glenn Kurowski understands the importance of widening the pipeline for skilled technology workers. “Experiential learning is the key to developing passion and engagement around your area of study—and that leads to a highly successful career,” says Kurowski. “I love working with students on their technical learning path and love getting others in our company engaged with the next generation of talent.”

Mason students in particular are well suited to fill that need for talent. “A partnership like this truly complements the students’ educational experience,” says EIP director Khaseem Davis, PhD Education ’23. “Our EIP students have worked hard to get to this point, to enrolling at Mason. This opportunity to work with CACI helps them to imagine what’s possible on the other side of their university experience.”

Jeana Plews, CACI’s vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion, agrees. “We realize that many of these students face obstacles in their pursuit of a college education, and we want to help remove some of these barriers.”

Since 1987, EIP has provided academic enrichment, personal and social development, civic engagement, and leadership training opportunities to middle and high school students who will be the first in their families to attend college. In one of the most successful demonstrations of Mason’s commitment to access, the university partners with seven public school districts in Virginia and works with more than 750 students in grades 8 to 12 and their families, taking a holistic approach to successfully navigate the path to postsecondary education.

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Mason, Prince William County Public Schools expand EIP collaboration

ckearney — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:48:44 +0000

Mason, Prince William County Public Schools expand EIP collaboration ckearney Wed, 01/31/2024 - 14:48

A shared approach to improving individual student outcomes and leaving lasting positive impacts on families, communities and society at large is what initially brought 911�� and Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) together for the Early Identification Program.

Denise Huebner, associate superintendent for Prince William County Schools; Khaseem Davis, executive director of Mason's Early Identification Program; Anaid Shaver, supervisor of college and career services for Prince William County Schools; and Charlena McCuin, the coordinator of community and business engagement/SPARK for PWCS. Photo by Fathima Samsudeen

Additional funding secured by SPARK, the education foundation for PWCS, will expand that life-changing collaboration and fully support an additional 20 EIP students from Prince William County starting this spring, said EIP Executive Director Khaseem Davis.

“As a public school system, they really value EIP,” he said.

Prince William County Public School representatives were on hand along with Mason officials at Merten Hall on the Fairfax Campus on Jan. 27 to welcome the newest members of the EIP community.

EIP, which has produced more than 2,000 graduates since its inception in 1987, provides access to educational resources for middle and high school students seeking to become the first in their families to attend college.

Services include free SAT prep, afterschool tutoring, mentoring, help with college essays, exposure to various careers, and a three-week summer academy.

Current Mason students and EIP alums Kalkidan Negussie and Ian Solano speak to the new members of the EIP community of their experiences in the program. Photo by Fathima Samsudeen

A $55,000 grant from the Tides Foundation to SPARK funded additional PWCS student participants. The Tides Foundation is a San Francisco-based nonprofit and philanthropic organization.

As a result, there are now 153 EIP students in the PWCS system, and just under 800 in the overall program, with plans to expand further.

Carol Flenard, the deputy superintendent for PWCS, lauded EIP for being a “beacon of hope and opportunity” that empowers first-generation students to dream of higher education and to achieve it with distinction.

“This program is more than an academic pathway,” Flenard said. “It is a commitment to closing the opportunity gaps that often challenge motivated, talented first-generation students.”

“They really gave me so much support, and they didn’t give up on me,” said Ian Solano, an EIP alum who is now a freshman international security and law major in the Schar School of Policy and Government at Mason. “I learned that I have more potential than I ever realized. I don’t know where I’d be without EIP.”

EIP receives support from Mason’s corporate alliances and individual donors, as well as its collaboration with seven local public school systems in Prince William County, Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Manassas City, Manassas Park City, Arlington, and the City of Alexandria.

The program’s year-round academic enrichment, personal and social development, civic engagement, and leadership training opportunities prepare students for higher education and more productive lives afterward.

“A lot of people don’t get to work in a job where they get to see the direct impact they can make,” Davis said. “Being part of EIP, you see that impact, and the impact is profound.”

Of the 127 EIP students who graduated from high school last spring, 125 went on to college. Of those, 93 were admitted to Mason, with 37 of those enrolling. Most of those who did enroll received partial or full academic scholarships.

There are currently more than 200 EIP alums attending Mason.

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For this University Scholar, the choice was always Mason

ckearney — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 19:57:24 +0000

For this University Scholar, the choice was always Mason ckearney Fri, 10/13/2023 - 15:57

Spogmai Ahmadzai’s life changed with a single question from her middle school English teacher.

The teacher asked if anyone in Ahmadzai’s family attended college. The answer was no for the girl born in Kabul, Afghanistan, who immigrated with her family to the United States at age 9 and had to learn English while repeating fourth grade.

“I had no idea that question would pertain to my future,” said Ahmadzai, now a biology major at 911��. “I never would have guessed that there was such a thing as [the Early Identification Program (EIP)].”

EIP is Mason’s college preparatory program for first-generation students. Working with seven school systems in Northern Virginia, the program provides college-bound middle and high school students with year-round opportunities in academic enrichment, leadership training, and college and career exploration.

Ahmadzai joined EIP in 7th grade and took advantage of all the resources it has to offer. “EIP really helped me with the transition to college.”

She said assistance with the application process, college essays, and “the support of all the mentors” helped her avoid some of the difficulties her friends encountered. It also helped her realize that Mason was the school for her.

“I chose Mason because of the diversity,” she said. “I thought that I wouldn't feel like an outsider here. I will feel comfortable, and I can be myself. I can feel at home here.”

When Ahmadzai received the letter inviting her to be a University Scholar, she said she didn’t quite believe it. As she told friends and family about the four-year scholarship, they all told her they thought she deserved it. Now she sees it as a testament to all her hard work.

“[The scholarship] represents all the hardship and hard work that I put in all those years,” she said. “It is a wonderful opportunity.”

Through EIP, Ahmadzai also had the opportunity to participate in the social sciences research through the Youth Research Council [YRC], a partnership of the Sociology and Anthropology Department’s Center for Social Science Research and EIP.

“As a member of the Youth Research Council, I had the wonderful opportunity to learn about the experiences of students who were subjected to racism and discrimination,” said Ahmadzai, who helped conduct surveys and interviews with area high school students.

Admadzai was surprised at the survey results. She said their work also helped raise awareness. They found that some students were so accustomed to what they were experiencing that they didn’t recognize racism when they experienced it.

“I definitely am glad that I was part of something like [YRC],” she said. “You might think that, ‘Oh, I'm just so different,’ or think ‘I'm alone.’ But in reality, there's always somebody who is also struggling, just like you.”

Admadzai aspires to a career in dentistry. She said she realizes that there were many different majors she could have chosen to prepare for dental school, but selected biology because of her interest in the environment and the “world of living things.”

As a member of the Honors College, Admadzai gets immersed in research her first year. As she tries to decide on a topic for her research project, she said she hopes to grow as a researcher and leader during her time at Mason.

Learn more about Mason's EIP

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From EIP to Amazon Futures Scholar and Honors College student

ckearney — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:15:47 +0000

From EIP to Amazon Futures Scholar and Honors College student ckearney Wed, 10/04/2023 - 11:15

Kimberly Montesflores Gonzalez already had a strong relationship with 911�� before she enrolled as a freshman this fall.

“I'm an Early Identification Program (EIP) alumni, so I basically grew up in 911��. I just liked the community and how at home I felt, so I knew that it was a good fit for me,” she said.

With more than 2,000 graduates, EIP provides access to educational resources for middle and high school students who will be the first in their families to attend a college or university.

As part of her EIP experience, Montesflores Gonzalez took dual enrollment classes in high school. “I took cybersecurity and programming classes where I learned a lot about the basics of computers, but I wanted to learn more about how the software part works.”

She also has a passion for coding and is enrolled in Introduction to Computer Programming.

“I'm excited about this course because I get to learn more about how Python works and experiment more in my coding,” said Montesflores Gonzalez. “Python is a programming language, and that’s something every programmer needs to learn.”

The computer science major received an Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship, which comes with $40,000 and an Amazon internship, which will start next summer. She also received one of Mason’s University Scholars awards, a full tuition scholarship given to select students from the Honors College.

Montesflores Gonzalez also hopes to join a few clubs at Mason. “One of my professors mentioned there's a club called ‘Girls Who Code’ and it sounds really interesting,” she said.

Outside of schoolwork, Montesflores Gonzalez helps take care of her two younger siblings, and is going into her fifth year as a catechist at her church teaching children.

For her high school capstone, Montesflores Gonzalez did work with the diversity, equity, and inclusion office where she organized events and held diversity talks about our culture and how students felt in the school.

In the future, Montesflores Gonzalez hopes to utilize her coding and programming skills for an organization that positively impacts her community, she said.

Montesflores Gonzalez also hopes to become an EIP mentor while at Mason.

^{“EIP was such a big part of my middle school and high school experience and giving back to the program is very important for me because it really helped me [prepare for college],” she said.}

Learn more about Mason's Early Identification Program

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